November offerings from Netflix

Get ready to curl up on the couch, order some take out and chill for a while because Netflix is adding a pile of new releases in November. While many are new movies and TV series, there are some oldies-but-goodies, like “The Spongebob Squarepants Movie.”

From sports, war and fashion documentaries to laugh-track sitcoms and superhero shows, Netflix has added something new in every genre category. Between cramming for final exams and relaxing over winter break, these new releases are sure to keep you watching.

Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce (Nov. 1)

This Bravo comedy focuses on a Los-Angeles-based self-help author, Abby McCarthy (Lisa Edelstein), as she survives life in the city and attempts to hide her recent divorce while surrounding herself with similarly single friends. Based on the “Girlfriends’ Guides” book series by Vicki Iovine, critics have praised the TV series mainly for Edelstein’s acting. While the first season of the show is now streaming on Netflix, the second season will premiere on Bravo in December.

Kareem: Minority of One (Nov. 3)

This HBO documentary, which focuses on the life of pro basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, chronicles his rise to athletic stardom and portrays major life moments such as growing up with a massive frame and publishing books in his later life. One thing that makes this documentary unique is the amount of raw footage of the athlete’s life.

“The details revealed in the archival footage and old photographs are extraordinary. There’s video of Abdul-Jabbar laying waste to his competition in junior high, towering over his fellow high school All-Americans on a nationally televised talk show, and announcing his commitment to UCLA in front of a horde of radio reporters,” according to Sports Illustrated.

Master of None
(Nov. 6)

This new Netflix original series, premiering later this week, stars “funny man” Aziz Ansari. Described by HitFix Entertainment as “half romantic comedy, half exploration of the world around him, and all smart,” Ansari’s character, Dev, finds himself working as an actor who, between dating and getting caught up in random adventures, is just trying to keep an open mind about the world around him. Rumored as one of Netflix’s best new shows, fans of the comedian and of shows like “Parks and Rec” can look forward to treating themselves to this Louie-esque sitcom.

Last Days in Vietnam
(Nov. 1)

Nominated for a number of awards including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Picture, this PBS documentary chronicles the final weeks of the Vietnam War as the U.S. is left with only a small army in the country and the choice of whether to flee or try to save as many Vietnamese lives as possible.

The film does a spot-on job of portraying the war’s events while showing actual footage from the time and recollections of those who were there. The film is a must-see for history buffs and those interested in one of the U.S.’s most controversial wars.

With Bob and David
(Nov. 13)

Fans of Bob Odenkirk and David Cross will soon have reason to rejoice. The duo is returning with a Netflix-based comedy sketch show. While the pair often works on projects together, from books to TV series, “With Bob and David” will be similar to their beginning, “Mr. Show.” The show has a loose feel with an anything-goes attitude.

According to Rolling Stone, “fans may also notice a newfound looseness in the sketches and format, indicative of its creators’ current station in life, in which they can approach the show almost as a fun side project, as opposed to the make-or-break stakes these hungry young comics faced 20 years ago.”

Jessica Jones
(Nov. 20)

After positive reviews from a screening at New York Comic Con, this Marvel show is set to premiere on Netflix in a few weeks. After an end to her superhero career, Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) works as a New York City investigator dealing with citizens with remarkable abilities.

While Jones may be sweet, deep down she is rough around the edges and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, which should make for interesting character development throughout the series. This show ought to be enjoyed by comic buffs and TV bingers alike.

Home
(Nov. 25)

DreamWorks hit a home run with this recent animated film, and for those who didn’t get a chance to see it in theatres, it will be soon be available for streaming at home. Based on Adam Rex’s “The True Meaning of Smekday,” “Home” features a number of stars, including Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Steve Martin.

The story portrays an alien who befriends a young girl as he flees from his home planet. The bond they form is both cute and quirky, similar to other DreamWorks movies such as “Shrek” and “Madagascar.” “Home” is one in a long line of feel-good DreamWorks movies that can be enjoyed by both kids and kids-at-heart.

Dior & I
(Nov. 14)

Fashionistas and documentary lovers alike will be able to appreciate this critically acclaimed film. “‘Dior and I’ brings the viewer inside the world of the Christian Dior fashion house with a privileged, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection as its new artistic director — a true labor of love created by a dedicated group of collaborators,” an article in The Orchard said.

The film is meant to make the viewer feel the pressure, as Simons had while working for the company, and it seems more fast-paced and heart racing than the typical fashion movie.